A shocking incident unfolded aboard a London-bound train on Saturday evening when a mass stabbing left ten passengers injured, nine of them with life-threatening injuries. The British Transport Police (BTP) have arrested two suspects, and an investigation is underway.

The train, which had departed from Doncaster and was en route to London’s King’s Cross Station, was carrying dozens of weekend travellers when the attack occurred shortly after it left Peterborough station around 7:30 pm local time

Eyewitnesses recount chaos: “There was blood everywhere”

Passengers described scenes of panic and horror as a man wielding a large knife moved through the carriages.

“There was blood everywhere,” one eyewitness told The Times, adding that passengers hid in lavatories while others were trampled in the rush to escape.

Another witness told Sky News that a victim staggered down the aisle saying, “They have got a knife; I have been stabbed.”

A third passenger told the BBC that he initially thought the chaos was a post-Halloween prank, until he saw people shouting and running in terror.

“People were shouting ‘run, run, there’s a guy literally stabbing everyone,’” the witness recalled.

Police: Too early to speculate motive

The British Transport Police confirmed that counterterrorism officers are assisting with the investigation, though no motive has been established yet.

“We’re conducting urgent enquiries to establish what has happened, and it could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything further,” said Chief Superintendent Chris Casey.

“At this early stage, it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident,” he added.

PM Keir Starmer calls incident “appalling”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, calling it an “appalling incident.”

“My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police,” he added.

Investigation underway

Authorities have cordoned off the affected train and surrounding rail areas while forensic teams and investigators work to determine the sequence of events.

Passengers on subsequent trains have been delayed or rerouted, as services between Peterborough and London King’s Cross remain partially suspended pending investigation.

The BTP has urged anyone with photos, videos, or information from the train to come forward to assist with the inquiry.